Among scenes of chaos and destruction caused by Typhoon Durian, a World Vision relief team has completed its assessment of the situation in Albay.

“The destruction we are seeing throughout Albay province is dreadful,” said Dominique Tabora, World Vision Philippines Communications Manager, via satellite phone on Sunday evening. “Travel by land or water has been very difficult. All telephone and power facilities are down in the areas we have visited. This is the first time we have been able to communicate at all.”

Around 800,000 people have been affected by the super-typhoon, according to Philippines Civil Defense figures released yesterday. While the death toll was highest in Legaspi, Dominique reported that other provinces had suffered tremendous damage to infrastructure, households and agriculture.

“In Tabaco city, 90% of the schools were devastated so classes are indefinitely suspended. The church in Tabaco is crowded with children seeking shelter. People do not have money to buy food and almost all their crops and fishing boats have been destroyed. Fuel is running out so people cannot drive or run generators. And in Legaspi, drinking water is already scarce.”

Surveying via air and land, the team saw extensive damage to houses as well as roads buried by mud and debris. Civil Defense figures estimate around 30,000 homes have been completely destroyed and a further 91,000 damaged.

As a result of their assessment, the World Vision team hopes to provide food, tents, mats and plastic sheeting, water purifying tablets and cooking utensils to those made homeless by the disaster. Washed-out roads and bridges are further complicating relief efforts

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared on Sunday a State of National Calamity and ordered an intensive search for remaining survivors from the mudslides in Albay.

Elnora Avarientos, National Director for World Vision Philippines, said:  "This has been a truly devastating typhoon with more than 200,000 families affected and the death toll still rising. It is going to be a huge challenge getting desperately needed aid to the affected villages because of mudslides, washed-out roads and bridges. Whole villages are buried in mud and boulders. People are desperate.”

“We will ensure that the needs of the people, especially the children, are addressed. The people will need food, blankets, mattresses, medicines, tents and all the basics required to survive the destruction and damage of their homes," Ms Avarientos added.

World Vision Philippines is also preparing to establish Child Friendly Spaces to protect and counsel children affected by their experiences.

Media Contacts:

Diwa A. Gacosta, Communications Officer (based in Manila) Office Number(s) and extension: (+63)-2-374-7618 to 28 loc 151 Mobile: (+63)- 9209029167 E-mail address (work): This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Traveling to Catanduanes and Albay:

Jose (Boy) Bersales, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs director WV Philippines Mobile +(63)-9167876420 +(63)-92-15601949

Ms Dominique M. Tabora WV Philippines Communications Manager Telefax: (+63-2) 3763274 Mobile No. (+63) 9219259386, (+63) 9178735458 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it